When presenting, make sure you have a clear, well structured message with key points delivered with conviction, using only the necessary words without padding.
It is important to lead your audience through a logical sequence of learning so they can follow your train of thought and get to the conclusion you have designed.
Too many speakers go way off track, tell lots of anecdotes and lose their focus and direction, which leaves the audience confused and wondering if they’ve missed something rather than listening to the words you are currently delivering.
I am not saying you shouldn’t use anecdotes, stories or ‘ad-lib’, they add real colour to a presentation, however be careful not to just randomly go off at a tangent and then lose the thread of your message.
Plan the stories you are going to use and make sure they are totally relevant to the point you are making.
Make sure you tell your own stories rather than just regurgitating someone else’s stuff.
Telling stories about your life and your own experiences will be much more powerful than anything else and establish your authenticity and your right to command the attention of the room.
Depending on the length of talk, aim for 3 clear points and explain
- Why this is an important message
- The impact it could have on the listeners and their businesses
- Recent case studies and results
- Actions that can be taken right now
You will have your audience furiously writing notes and the more notes they take, the more you are educating them and the more impact you are having.
You can then lead them logically to your ‘Call To Action’ and your powerful close.